Republic to launch Fabric of Life own brand

Republic opened a store in Westfield London last month

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Young fashion chain Republic is poised to launch new menswear brand called Fabric of Life for spring 09.

Republic brand manager Guy Daltry said Fabric of Life would feature a 30-piece range of t-shirts, shirts and jeans and that it would be, "colonial-inspired, with a military feel and with references to World War One."

He said the product would also be "more detailed, with lots of pleaquing and washes."

T-shirts will range from £30-35.

Daltry said: "Republic has had a very strong year, and autumn has started well. Early October was tough, but we're very pleased with the year in general. Half-term week was exceptional. Sales were up about 70%, with like-for-likes up over 10%. It was all down to the timing of half term, which is a massive driver of sales."

Republic is also set to expand Goldline, a sub brand of its own label Crafted, which launched in October. The premium men's denim brand, which retails for around £60, will expand with a new t-shirt range, following the success of its denim range.

Republic already has womenswear own brands Miso and Jessica's Attic, along with Crafted and Soul Cal, which are unisex labels.

Daltry said Christmas will happen, but the shape of trade may change. "There will be more sales spikes and dips in the run up to Christmas," he said. "But we're optimistic, our conversion figures are up and our spend figures are up."

Republic has 93 stores in the UK. It opened a 7,500 sq ft store in Westfield, London last month. It plans to open another store in York next Easter.